Body hoist



Nov. 15, 1927.

A. P. PETERSON BODY HOIST Filed Feb. 12, 1926 ENTOR A TTORNE Y Patented Nov. 15, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BODY

Application filed February This invention relates to a device for lifting and suspending a corpse, and it has for an object the provision of novel means whereby body engaging elements may be expeditiously manipulated for embracing or partially embracing portions of the body and thereafter lifting the same, the said device being also capable of holding the body suspended while it is being treated, as in autopsies or examinations, or during the embalming processes or while the corpse is being prepared for burial.

It is an object of this invention to provide novel means whereby one person can, by the manipulation of the body engaging devices and the manipulation of the hoisting mechanism, lift a body for the purpose of depositing it or removing it from a basket, or for depositing it in a coffin, or, in fact, for any purpose found necessary by an undertaker, coroner, or official.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a device of the character indicated which will be simple in its construction and efficient in operation.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction, and in the arrangement and combination of parts to be hereinafter more fully set forth and claimed.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanylng drawing forming part of this specification wherein the invention is illustrated by a perspective view.

' In carrying the invention into practice and as to the preferred form of the invention, a beam is provided and the beam comprises a frame having a. horizontally disposed member 21 from which the body engaging hooks are suspended, and in this form, the head 22 of the frame has bearings 23 and 24 in which a screw 25 may be trunnioned and the said screw may be rotated by any suitable means, as by a crank 26. The head has a channel 27 and the walls thereof constitute guides for the flange 28 of a threaded ele- 'HoIsr.

12, 1926. Serial No. 87,903.

ment 29 in which the screw operates so that by rotation of the screw, the threaded element is moved longitudinally of the head. The threaded element has an eye or other draft rigging 30 by which the hoisting mechanism may be connected'to it, and by the means just stated, the weight of the body being supported may be equalized in order that the hoisting device may hold the body approximately horizontally.

The horizontally disposed member 21 of the frame is provided with rings or loops 31, one being located near each end of the member 21 and the other being approximately centrally disposed. A hook 32 has its shank suspended from a link at one end and said hook is curved to embrace the neck portion of the body to be lifted. The hook 33 at the opposite end of the member 21 has an offset portion at the inner end of the shank and a horizontally disposed elongated leg supporting portion 34 which is located practically under the link and the said leg supporting portion terminates in a shoulder or flange 35 which prevents dislodgment of the legs from the hook. The central loop or link 31 supports two hooks 35 and 36 intended to engage the body or torso from opposite sides so that when the corpse is suspended, it is supported at three locations where it can be effectually held.

No attempt has been made to illustrate the hoisting mechanism, as simple block and tackle mechanisms properly suspended may be employed, and the inventor does not wish to be limited with respect to the manner of lifting or lowering the body.

I claim:

In a body hoist, a beam, a head thereon having a channel whose Walls constitute a guide, a threaded element having a projection extending within the guide, a screw rotatably mounted on the head for engaging the the threaded element and moving it longitudinally of the head, and body supporting members depending from the beam.

, ALFRED P. PETERSON. 

